Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-200mm new

[Mrdi]

Looking for a Nikon body to go with this lens:
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-200mm new

Preferred requirements:

Small size
Light weight.
Inexpensive (relatively)
Motor drive?

Use:
Sailboat shots inside racing for a Yacht Club publication
Vacation scenes outdoors (Nat'l Parks)
Portraits
Rolex pics

[GradyPhilpott]

An excellent walk-about and general purpose lens.

It does just about everything well.

I have the D7000 and I think it is an excellent camera. Until the D400 comes along, it's the high-end enthusiast's camera in the Nikon line.

The D5100 is no slouch either.

[capote]

If you don't buy a full frame sensor camera you will get a x1.6 magnification, which is good for the long distance, but you can't get a super wide angle shot. I have a Nikon D300 and recently bought a 50 mm (=80 mm), 1.4 lens. For me that was it, I haven't even looked at my other lens since.

[Mrdi]

Originally Posted by capote

If you don't buy a full frame sensor camera you will get a x1.6 magnification, which is good for the long distance, but you can't get a super wide angle shot. I have a Nikon D300 and recently bought a 50 mm (=80 mm), 1.4 lens. For me that was it, I haven't even looked at my other lens since.

So... which full frame body do you recommend for the 18-200 using the suggested criteria.
Cost is a factor.

[FNFZ4]

Unless you are going pro or something, the entry level Nikon will do. Taking pictures is not about what camera you have. Its about what skills you have acquired. you can have the most expensive camera and still pictures wont look their best unless you know the basics of photography. the high-end cameras only make your life or should I say task easier with their new features and stuff. you can do the same with the Entry Level DSLR that have full manual. However, it would take you longer and you would need a little more thought per shot.

[GradyPhilpott]

The 18-200mm AF-S lens is DX lens, which means that it's designed for cropped sensors.

I do believe that Nikon has a 1.5x crop, but I could be wrong.

You can use the DX lenses on full-frame, but you're going to give up some serious resolution.

I haven't read much about the D-800 in this regard, but you are typically much better off using DX lenses with DX cameras. You can use full-frame lenses on DX cameras without a problem, but they are expensive.

If you want to go full-frame, you should have gotten the Nikkor 28-300mm lens, as it is designed for full-frame.

As far as using one prime instead of a zoom lens, this all depends on the type of shooting you do.

The photojournalist type stuff that I do for my club could not be done with a prime lens. It's just too demanding and I'd be in the way of what I'm trying to shoot most of the time.

You would do very well to choose a good Nikon DX camera, unless you just want to go full-frame and buy a set of full-frame lenses, but be prepared to part with some big time bucks.

It's really your call, but with the D7000 you'll be working with an excellent sensor and a very flexible feature set.

You've got a good walk-about and as you work with that one, you can add others, like the 35mm 1.8, the 50mm 1.8, and a macro lens like the 105mm 2.8, which is a full-frame lens.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Mrdi

So... which full frame body do you recommend for the 18-200 using the suggested criteria.
Cost is a factor.

Listen to Grady. If you keep that lens go for a D300s IMHO.

I still have my D300s with that lens and a full frame D700 with the 28-300mm and the 150mm macro lens.

[psv]

D7000 is the way to go. I have one, great little camera.

[77T]

Have you considered just selling that lens and find a mid-range combo? Maybe Nikon or Canon...

You'd get a better bang for your buck and no possible mismatch.

[nick c]

I have the D-5000 with same lens

[joeychitwood]

Grady, can you evaluate this body and lenses regarding the sensor? I don't have the knowledge to know if these are properly matched. Thanks.

Nikon D300, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR and Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8G ED VR.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Grady, can you evaluate this body and lenses regarding the sensor? I don't have the knowledge to know if these are properly matched. Thanks.

Nikon D300, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR and Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8G ED VR.

I'm not Grady but I can tell you ths combo works like a charm. A great allround lans and a awesome macro lens,
what more can you ask for.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Grady, can you evaluate this body and lenses regarding the sensor? I don't have the knowledge to know if these are properly matched. Thanks.

Nikon D300, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR and Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8G ED VR.

This is exactly what I have (18/200 and D300). I get great results.

Today I'd get the D7000 or D5100 depending on budget.

I'd probably get the cheaper body and add the $200 35mm 1.8 (must have lens on DX) and the $100+ SB400 speedlight.

The 18/200 is a DX lens, not designed for full frame. The 28/300 is the FF equivalent.